This book combines two interests of mine—archetypes (along with Jungian psychology) and Greek mythology. No doubt that was the reason I enjoyed this book so much.

Having said that, the writing style certainly helped. Bolen presents the concepts in a way that is clear and easy to understand. She peppers explanations with examples from myth, popular culture and from her own experiences as a psychologist. In her more candid moments, she comes across as being open and warm.

Archetypes represent patterns of behaviour and ways of thinking. Bolen postulates that in every woman there are seven such archetypes represented by the three virgin goddesses (Artemis, Athena and Hestia), three vulnerable goddesses (Hera, Demeter and Persephone) and one alchemical goddess (Aphrodite). Any one or several may be present or dominant. For each of the goddesses she details the mythology, features of the archetype, how that archetype may manifest itself in behaviour, psychological difficulties the archetype may foster and ways of growing beyond it. She also touches on difficulties that may occur when differing archetypes conflict within the same person.

I found it quite a fascinating read. Most work on archetypes I’ve read remain strictly theoretical, focusing on literary characters or on wider symbolism, rather than actual patterns of behaviour. This book, in contrast, remained very much grounded in reality. I could recognise images of myself, people I know and characters within today’s popular culture.

It came across as being a bit dated in some parts, however. It was originally written in the early eighties and has a tendency to focus on the archetypes in relation to feminism and feminist issues, particularly in regards to certain archetypes. It largely remains relevant, but I wonder if, given this is a twentieth anniversary edition, it could have been a bit updated for the twenty-first century.

Still, I enjoyed it very much and would like to get my hands on a copy of the male counterpart book. I think they could serve as good creative and psychological resources.